The holiday was Steven’s first trip abroad and despite being with pals he left a pub alone at the end of a night out.

His parents Norman and Pat, both 73, from Sandbach, Cheshire, put up a 7,000 euro reward for information about their missing son and have constantly appealed for information.

His brother Chris, 42, today wrote on a Facebook page dedicated to Steven’s disappearance that authorities are working on identification.

He wrote: “We have had similar situations regarding remains being discovered over the years (including a skeleton washed up on a beach near Malia a week or so ago) so, as then, we just have to sit tight and let the professionals do their bit.”

His parents Norman and Pat, both 73, from Sandbach, Cheshire, put up a 7,000 euro reward

Liverpool fan Steven vanished in 2005, the year his team won the Champions League final in Istanbul.

When the team were 3-0 down at halftime Steven rang his brother in Cheshire.

On the 10th anniversary of the disappearance Chris said: “He said to me: ‘We can do it, we’ve just got to believe, believe, believe’.

“That’s the saying we say now when we get down.”

Speaking of the impact of his brother’s disappearance on his parents Chris said: “They just aged overnight. Mum lost so much weight because she had no appetite. Of course they were absolutely knocked sideways and devastated.

“It is ridiculous the way it manifests itself. Even now, if I get a phone call at work and there’s a pause on the phone, I’ll get a flashback.

“We don’t really celebrate birthdays or Christmases as nothing is really the same.”

Following Steven’s disappearance a huge search of the island was carried out, but nothing was found.

One local said: “The owner of the well brought in a company to clean the well and empty whatever was at the bottom of it.

“They found a complete human skeleton and a small camera.

“The police and coroner were both called to the scene.”

Detective Inspector Gary McIntyre said: “Cheshire Constabulary is aware of the discovery of what appear to be human remains in Malia, Crete. Officers are in liaison with the Greek authorities and are awaiting further information over the coming days.

“Steven Cook’s family is aware of the discovery and we will be keeping them fully updated on any developments. They have been provided with support since Steven first went missing and this will continue at what is understandably an emotional time for them.

“At this early stage, the remains have been removed and will be examined in Greece to determine whether they belong to a female or a male.

“It is important to remember that this discovery is being managed by the Greek authorities, who have primacy for this, and they will continue to liaise with our Senior Investigating Officer in Steven’s case.

“We will continue to liaise with both the Greek authorities and Steven’s family moving forward.”